Ocean

The Great Bear Sea is one of the most biodiverse coldwater environments in the world. It is inhabited by several marine mammal species that have been identified as at risk under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, including resident and transient killer whales, humpback whales, fin whales, sei whales, Steller sea lions and harbour porpoises. Over 2,000 runs of Pacific salmon return to spawn here, in addition to several populations of Pacific herring. Myriad algae, corals and invertebrates blanket the ocean floor.

But this vital expanse of ocean is not protected as it should be. Unsustainable fishing practices, like the indiscriminate and wasteful commercial herring roe fishery are putting wildlife at risk. Plans to export crude oil and gas are threatening to bring supertanker traffic through these waters for the first time.

Because of your support, Pacific Wild is able to further groundbreaking research and effective campaigns to tackle these issues. Click on the individual projects below to find out more.